Introduction to Theatre

The purpose of the course is to increase students’ understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the development and practice of the theatre, from acting & design to play-writing and analysis. Individual and group performance workshops will offer students the opportunity to investigate the body and mind in regards to basic acting, staging, play-writing and directing techniques. Students will explore technical theatre as well; particularly in the areas of lighting, set and sound design. Each student will have an opportunity to implement their technical theatre knowledge by supporting the student directed one-act plays in various production areas. Participation, in-class forum discussions and the sharing of critiques and short reports will offer avenues to delve into students’ world theatre interests. Students will survey theatre via various essays, script analyses and performance critiques. Required attendance at theatrical events will offer first–hand experience as an observer and participant in the theatre arts. Duration: 2 Semesters; Required: No; Credit: 1.0; Prerequisite: None

Acting and Directing

The course is designed for students interested in exploring the disciplines of acting, directing and play production techniques.  In a nurturing environment, students learn self-assurance while acquiring intermediate and advanced acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises as well as improvisation to gain an in-depth understanding of motivations, character interpretations and performance choices. Students will learn the various crafts and techniques of directing, including staging a short play, as well as explore various production methods utilized in taking a play from the page to the stage.  This is a performance production based course where ‘some’ performances and production of plays take place after school or during the evenings, particularity in regards to the direction and production of the winter one act plays. The course offers opportunities to increase self-confidence, improve communication skills, and gain an appreciation of the relationship between artistic expression and human behavior. Duration: 2 Semesters; Required: No; Credit: 1.0; Prerequisite: None

PLEASE NOTE: APAC THEATRE FESTIVAL
Students in this course are required to participate in the APAC theatre festival (to be held at ISB-Beijing in 2013) and are therefore responsible for all related expenses including travel.

Play-Writing

The study of play-writing involves many of the same focuses as writing stories; such as dialogue, character and plot. Lectures and explorations on the playwright’s craft are combined with varied writing exercises and analysis of selected plays. Traditional and experimental forms are both explored. Staged readings of student work will aid beginning playwrights to see how plays come across in a performance setting. Each student will write a short play, which will be produced by students in another theatre class for the public. Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate in that process as their work goes from the page to the stage. Duration: 1 Semester; Required: No; Credit: 0.5; Prerequisite: None

Speech Communications: The Foundation of Public Speaking

Speech Communications is a foundation course in public speaking. The course is designed to aid students in developing speaking and communications skills. Emphasis is placed on organization, critical thinking, research, preparation, practice, and feedback, delivery, and audience analysis. Further attention is given to the study of social relationships and the communication process. The course also explores basic oral communication theory, problems of listening, interviewing, speech evaluation, and developing poise and confidence. The primary commitment of this course is to provide students with numerous opportunities to practice, and receive feedback on public speaking skills. This is a research, writing and performance-based course: students are expected to engage in public speaking events to learn critical listening skills, and to employ those skills by providing feedback to classmates when they speak. Duration: 1 Semester; Required: No; Credit: 0.5; Prerequisite: None

International Thespian Society (ITS)

An honorary society for student thespians, which encourages members to accrue merit based points by participating in theatre productions and activities. ITS began in the USA and is now a global organization recognizing and working with student thespians around the world.

Fall Play

Each school year the high school produces a play during the autumn time period.  Auditions are usually held during the first two weeks of school. Our recent shows have included: Macbeth, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

HS Spring Musical

Each spring our high school produces a musical production, which includes actors, singers, dancers, pit orchestra members and stage crew. Auditions are usually held in December/January. Our recent musicals have included: Kiss Me, Kate, The Sound of Music, Aida, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and Wind in the Willows.

APAC Theatre

Each year 10 members of our high school theatre program pass an audition to attend a theatre festival within the Southeast Asia region. By combining theatre students from 6 Asian schools, this large festival, often led by a renown university professor, is a wonderful learning experience for our thespians.

Student Directed One Act Plays

New in 2011, our high school theatre students have written, cast and directed their very own one act plays. We combine these varied 5-10 minute one acts onto one power packed evening of entertainment.